News and Politics Reporter

News and Politics Reporter

Full-Time 28800 - 48000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
PA Media

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Report on breaking news and politics in Scotland, creating multimedia content.
  • Company: PA Media is the UK's national news agency with over 150 years of experience in journalism.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a BUPA health cash plan, life assurance, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for travel across Scotland.
  • Why this job: Join a dynamic team, make an impact, and thrive in a culture that celebrates individuality.
  • Qualifications: Experience in journalism, strong knowledge of Scottish politics, and a recognised journalism qualification required.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.

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Driven to connect talent with opportunity | Talent Acquisition Lead for PA Media Group | Passionate about creating environments of Diversity…

About us.

PA is the UK’s national news agency, delivering fast, fair and accurate journalism to every major newsroom across the country, 24/7. With more than 150 years of newsgathering experience, our work sits at the heart of the media industry.

Our commitment to excellence was recognised at the Media Freedom Awards, where we were named National News Media Organisation of the Year. PA Media Group also includes Alamy, StreamAMG and a range of data and content businesses – all working together to support the media and communications industries with world-class journalism and visual content.

Inclusion.

We’re proud of our inclusive culture where individuality is celebrated, and people are empowered to do their best work. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team – we’re here to help.

About the role.

We are looking for a flexible and motivated Scotland News and Politics Reporter to join our dedicated team in Scotland.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a journalist who thrives on breaking stories, delivering agenda-setting exclusives and covering everything from fast-moving political developments to high-profile court cases.

Working closely with colleagues in Scotland and across PA’s news desks, you will be responsible for filing fast, fair and accurate copy on a broad range of news and politics stories, supplementing your reporting with video and pictures. This role offers variety, challenge and the chance to make your mark across words, video and live reporting.

Key responsibilities.

  • Deliver fast, accurate and legally sound coverage of news and politics across Scotland.
  • Generate original content and break agenda-setting exclusives.
  • Produce quality multimedia content including copy, video, pictures and live video.
  • Use social media effectively to source and verify content.
  • Build and maintain strong news and political contacts.
  • Collaborate with colleagues in Scotland and London to deliver impactful content.
  • Engage with PA customers when required to ensure the best possible service.

What you will need.

  • Experience reporting for a news agency, national or regional daily newspaper.
  • A proven ability to deliver fast, accurate and compelling copy.
  • Strong knowledge of Scottish politics, courts and the broader news agenda.
  • Fast and accurate shorthand.
  • A recognised journalism qualification (NCTJ or equivalent).
  • Sound knowledge of media law.
  • A full, clean driving licence and access to a vehicle during the day.
  • A flexible approach to working evenings, weekends and travelling across Scotland.
  • Experience shooting and editing video (desirable).
  • Experience reporting from the Scottish Parliament (desirable).

What we offer.

  • BUPA health cash plan
  • Life assurance (4x salary)
  • Employee Assistance Programme

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Associate

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Full-time

Job function

  • Job function

    Writing/Editing
  • Industries

    Media Production and Retail Books and Printed News

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News and Politics Reporter employer: PA Media

At PA Media, we pride ourselves on being the UK's national news agency, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where journalists can thrive. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our award-winning journalism, and we provide ample opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and creativity in reporting. With a focus on diversity and support for our employees, working in Scotland as a News and Politics Reporter means being part of a team that values your unique contributions while delivering impactful stories across the nation.

PA Media

Contact Details:

PA Media Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land News and Politics Reporter

Get Involved in Local Journalism

Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.

Showcase Your Work Online

Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.

Stay Updated on the Industry Trends

Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at PA Media!

Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities

Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like PA Media, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!

We think you need these skills to ace News and Politics Reporter

Fast and Accurate Reporting
Strong Knowledge of Scottish Politics
Legal Knowledge in Media Law
Shorthand Proficiency
Multimedia Content Production
Video Shooting and Editing
Social Media Proficiency

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!

Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.

Tailor Your Application for PA Media:When applying for the News and Politics Reporter role at PA Media, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!

Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what PA Media produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!

How to prepare for a job interview at PA Media

Show Off Your Writing Skills

Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.

Master the Art of Storytelling

During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.

Know the Current Media Landscape

Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.

Convey Your Passion and Drive

As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within PA Media. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.